AFCON 2025 Under Threat as Protests Rock Morocco Over Excessive Sports Spending

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just over two months away, a wave of discontent has swept across host nation Morocco.

Angry youths have taken to the streets to protest the government's spending priorities, accusing officials of neglecting critical sectors in favour of sports infrastructure.

Demonstrators claim the Moroccan government is channeling excessive resources into building and renovating stadiums for the upcoming tournament while the country grapples with rising unemployment, inflation, and a strained healthcare system.

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Protesters carried signs with messages such as "Hospitals before stadiums" and "Jobs, not luxury pitches," highlighting the growing tension between national ambitions and domestic needs.

Leaders of the movement have warned that they may attempt to disrupt the continental tournament, which will take place between December 21 and January 18, 2026, if their demands for a shift in focus are not met.

The North African nation has invested heavily in modernising its sports facilities, not only for AFCON 2025 but also as part of its preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

While government officials maintain that these projects will boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and create long-term opportunities, the youth-led protests underscore a deep-seated debate over the country's priorities.

The AFCON tournament was moved to December 2025 and early January 2026 because of a tight calendar, having initially been slated for June and July this year but the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was given priority.

Morocco, who are in Group A with Comoros, Mali and Zambia, are under pressure to win the AFCON crown on home soil after a disappointing Round of 16 exit in the 2023 tournament in the Ivory Coast.